Multi-Cam setup

[Bill Davis]

Not really thrilled with the current plot.

You’re setup is essentially 3 separate drivers license photos in action.

You might think of COMBINATIONS of people – which lets them interact more natrually.

First, which camera has the establishing wide shot. Knowing nothing about background and lighting and the hundred other things that can effect this – with nothing but the diagram to go on – I’d say your wide shot would balance best from between the jib and the Camera B position. Then pull out Cam 1 so that they have an angle on more than just “head on C” – you can get both an alternate 3 shot – a 2 shot of B+C as well as a single shot on C.

That leaves 3 to cover A&B for singles and the combo 2-shot.

All of this might change, however, if you have to SHOW THE MONITOR as well? If so, you MUST leave a shot so that we can see how the interviewees react to that – which might take a camera by itself – particularly if you want to orient the watchers in positions where you may have to “cross the line” to see the monitor/footage.

Just some thoughts.

[Scott Sheriff]

Assuming C would be the main speaker, I would:

Cam 1: move to the left.
Primary shot C. Other coverage OTS AC, OTS BC. BC stretches the vector line a bit, but livable. Only be used if BC get into prolonged discussion.

Cam 2: move to the left.
Primary shot B. Other coverage AB 2 shot, ABC 3 shot, A only if needed to help out Cam 3, but s 2 shot AB would be better.

Cam 3: move to the right.
Primary shot A. other coverage CB OTS, CA OTS, maybe CBA down the line shot.

Cam 4: Move back.
Use the jib to bump in and out of breaks or clips include floor crew in shot. Don’t overuse.

When in doubt, always cross your cameras.

Scott Sheriff
Director
SST Digital Media
https://www.sstdigitalmedia.com